Abstract
Based on a DNA sequence and relative genomic position similar to those other herpesviruses, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frame 48 (ORF48) is predicted to encode an alkaline nuclease. Here we report the cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant VZV ORF48 protein and a VZV ORF48 point mutation (T172P). Protein encoded by wild-type ORF48, but not mutant protein, displayed both endo- and exonuclease activity, identifying ORF48 as a potential therapeutic target in VZV disease since efficient viral replication requires viral nuclease activity.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Cloning, Molecular
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Gene Expression
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Herpesvirus 3, Human / enzymology*
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Herpesvirus 3, Human / genetics*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutant Proteins / genetics
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Mutant Proteins / isolation & purification
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Mutant Proteins / metabolism
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Mutation, Missense
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Recombinant Proteins / genetics
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Recombinant Proteins / isolation & purification
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Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
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Ribonucleases / genetics*
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Ribonucleases / isolation & purification
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Ribonucleases / metabolism*
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Sequence Alignment
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Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics*
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Viral Nonstructural Proteins / isolation & purification
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Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism*
Substances
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Mutant Proteins
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Recombinant Proteins
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Viral Nonstructural Proteins
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Ribonucleases
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viral alkaline nuclease